Shaheer W.

I graduated from Westmount Charter High School in Calgary, Alberta. Throughout high school, I was actively involved in leadership, serving on Student Council every year—first as a Grade 10 Representative, then as Treasurer, and finally as President. One of my proudest achievements was co-founding my school’s first-ever Muslim Student Association, creating a space for students to pray and connect. Over time, the club grew into a diverse community, organizing fundraisers for causes like cancer awareness and fostering cultural exchange. This experience taught me the importance of advocacy and inclusion. I graduated as the Grade 12 Class of 2024 Muslim Association of Canada Valedictorian for the city of Calgary, in addition to being given the Grade 12 Community Service and Leadership Award. Academically, I pursued my passion for STEM and problem-solving through the STEM Fellowship Internships program, working in an electrical engineering lab at the University of Calgary. I also loved public speaking and diplomacy, which led me to take on leadership roles in Model United Nations, serving as Director of Training and later as Chief of Staff for my school’s team. Outside of academics, I was deeply involved in sports, playing rugby, basketball, and volleyball while also practicing karate. I was honored to receive Player of the Tournament in the Mustangs' Rugby Tournament. My love for athletics led me to volunteer as a Sports Coach at the YMCA, helping kids stay active and build confidence.

I am interested in engineering because of the infinitely many opportunities and applications that it brings-- everything from nanoscopic-sized transistors to large-scale power lines. Something that I aim to explore is combining the technical expertise that come with an engineering degree with global advocacy in order to improve quality of life around the world. Specifically, I am interested in delving into ways to bridge the global energy divide using innovative solutions such as employing novel efficiency measures and artificial intelligence.

As someone who enjoys Model UN and diplomacy, I hope to combine this passion with the technical and problem-solving knowledge I gain from my time at the University of Calgary. Following my engineering education, I hope to combine what I learn from classes and student clubs to work to improve the global energy divide, ensuring that countries where energy is not reliable can improve their energy reliability and waste.

I am grateful for the opportunity to receive a Prestige Award. It has allowed me to devote time into many initiatives. I hope to continue being involved in the university and giving back to the community that has left an indelible mark on my journey.